April 14, 2011

Gear Review - Flying Fisherman Pago Polarized Sunglasses

Okay...enough procrastination...time to write up the Flying Fisherman Pago polarized sunglasses review...I mean the OBN didn't give these to me for free for nothing. I'm not a total slacker though, as I already wrote a "First Impressions" post about a month and a half ago. You may want to read it first HERE, before proceeding with the goodies below. You know, for the full picture.

The Pagos

I've spent about 4 or 5 days on the water with my Pagos in various weather conditions - from bright and sunny to overcast & drizzling, from AM sunrise to PM dusk - so I think I've finally got a pretty good reference base to work from. I tried to match my fishing to the lens specs. These particular Pagos have the amber lenses, which the manufacturer claims are excellent for shallow water fishing, bright sun and overcast conditions. Check, check, and check.

So what do I like about them? We'll first off, they're comfortable on your head. Sometimes when I wear sunglasses they can get uncomfortable behind the ears or on the bridge of my nose (& I've got a big nose) after a day of fishing. Didn't have that problem with the Pagos. They really do seem to do a good job of cutting glare both on sunny and overcast days...although I'd say they really excel in the sun. The last day I was fishing dry flies and it was cool to watch the fish holding in the current and then rising to the fly. The clarity the Pagos provided definitely amplified that experience.

Pagos in action - Who's the idiot in the hoodie?

They're also pretty durable. The first day I went fishing with them I (not-so) accidentally stepped on them in an asphalt parking lot. Okay, I didn't use a full force, wine-making stomp, but they survived none the less. I also decided to give them the royal treatment and transport them from home to stream and back with the rest of my fishing gear in a Rubbermaid tote...no case...nothing....so they got jostled around with my waders, net, and fishing manpurse. They survived that ordeal too, with only minor scratches, and really none on the lenses. Their super duper virtually unbreakable miracle lenses seem to hold up their end of the bargain.

What don't I like? Squeaky plastic. You flex the frames, open & close the hinges, they make that cheap-plastic kind of squeak. You know what I'm talking about - the Errr-eeee-Errr-eeee noise. I don't think the plastic is actually cheap, it just chooses to vocalize in that fashion. Not a deal breaker by any means, but my Hobies and HaberVisions don't do that. Also, the case provided is kinda weak. Just a microfiber sleeve. Gimme a soft case with some backbone to it. The neoprene holder is a nice add though...but I didn't use it because I'm not Kurt Rambis...although I wish I had a cool 'stache and flowing mane like him.

Scrappiness, hustle, and glasses firmly affixed to head.

I guess the ultimate question is, "do they work?" Yes, they work. They work just fine. If you want to cut glare while fishing, they should work splendidly for you. Marvelous even. Then again, I can't honestly say I've ever used a pair of legit polarized sunglasses that didn't cut glare. At least they aren't the first.

Now would I (personally) buy them? This particular style, no. I don't like particularly like the frames and if you read the prequel post, my wife called them "feminine." I'm not wearing these around town. A different style, like the Magnum, perhaps I'd pony up the dough. But again, I don't want to minimize the fact that the lenses work great.

So to conclude, for a fishing application they're a solid option. Especially if you find yourself on a budget, you wouldn't be wasting your $59.95 (MSRP) in purchasing.

DISCLAIMER:The Flying Fisherman Pago sunglasses tested in this product review were provided by Flying Fisherman via the Outdoor Blogger Network at no cost and carry an MSRP of $59.95. I currently hold no association with Flying Fisherman, although I have had a couple beers with Joe from the OBN, but sadly have never met his cat. As with all independent gear reviews at Troutrageous!, I try my best to keep my reviews honest and unbiased, blah, blah, blah...blah, blah, blah. You get the point, I'm not gonna bullsh#t ya.

Michael, nice job on your review. I am not sure I would like the large frames either. When I put a pair like that on (no matter who makes them) I just don't like how I look. Therefore, the fish and fishing doesn't get my full attention. Maybe nice lens and good job on the water, but, I would like to see other sized frames. Thanks for the honesty.

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